Sparky’s Pub wins gay-friendly Gold

Updated 6:02 pm, Friday, July 17, 2015

Old school light fixtures illuminate the Sparky's Pub hanging on the bar's classic brick wall.

Old school light fixtures illuminate the Sparky's Pub hanging on the bar's classic brick wall.

Photo: Kelsey Bradshaw /San Antonio Express-News

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Rainbow details and lush greenery can be found outside of Sparky's Pub where those dining in can grab a bite to eat on the patio.

Rainbow details and lush greenery can be found outside of Sparky's Pub where those dining in can grab a bite to eat on the patio.

Photo: Kelsey Bradshaw /San Antonio Express-News

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A rainbow flag hangs outside Sparky's Pub June 29, three days after the Supreme Court's historic decision to make same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

A rainbow flag hangs outside Sparky's Pub June 29, three days after the Supreme Court's historic decision to make same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

Photo: Kelsey Bradshaw /San Antonio Express-News

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Click through the slideshow for the Express-News' cocktail bar recommendations.

Click through the slideshow for the Express-News' cocktail bar recommendations.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

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Bar 1919, 1420 S Alamo St.

Located underneath Blue Joe’s in Blue Star, it's known for expert martinis and cocktails, a fine selection of whiskey and liquor, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Bar 1919, 1420 S Alamo St.

Located underneath Blue Joe’s in Blue Star, it's known for expert martinis and cocktails, a fine selection of whiskey and liquor, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

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Barbaro, 2720 McCullough Ave.

Compared to a neighborhood pizza place, this one is special. But it's still fundamentally a neighborhood place, despite the minimalist yet warm styling, dishes that show intelligence and good taste, thoughtful wine offerings and intriguing cocktails.

Whatever you do, don't ask for a Bud Light. Since it's a distillery and not a bar, the options all have Dorcol's apricot Rakia in the drink. The Fashionable Attire, a take on an old fashioned, and the Hemingway, which has lemon juice, bitters and simple syrup, are favorites. Cocktails usually cost $8 or $9.

There are two full bars inside, and each slams out original and classic cocktails, as well as beer and wine. The first bar offers lighter cocktails; head to the larger bar in the back for boozier elixirs, although both are fully stocked. Happy hour runs late, 3-9 p.m. Monday-Friday.

If you’re in a rush, pick the $9 Island Old Fashioned on tap. It’s a twist on the classic, with Brugal Añejo rum, cane syrup and a tiki kick added by house ... more

Photo: Xelina Flores / For The Express-News /

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SoHo Wine & Martini Bar, 214 W Crockett St.

Infused liquor, from which the bartenders can make several cocktails, include ghost chile vodka, brisket bourbon and cinnamon vanilla tequila. Specialty cocktails include the fruit cup (which tastes just like a fruit cup), rosemary lemondrop, peanut butter delight, the Samoa Girl Scout Cookie, the creme brulee, the espresso tini, and so on.

Pictured: The SoHo bloody mary with both the peppered bacon and cucumber olive garnish. less

SoHo Wine & Martini Bar, 214 W Crockett St.

Infused liquor, from which the bartenders can make several cocktails, include ghost chile vodka, brisket bourbon and cinnamon vanilla tequila. Specialty cocktails ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

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Stay Golden Social House, 401 Pearl Parkway

Cocktail lovers won't be disappointed with the $7 Sting Like a Bee, with gin, honey, lemon, lavender soda and a touch of spice from house habanero bitters. Bourbon fans will prefer the $7 Mean Left Hook, mixed with house peach bitters, fernet and lemon oleo.

It’s not entirely surprising that Sparky’s Pub on North Main Avenue would be chosen as the most gay-friendly place in San Antonio in this year’s Reader’s Choice. The strip close to San Antonio College long has been dominated by gay clubs and bars.

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Patrons can sip coffee, drink or munch on tapas inside or outside on pub’s patios. Anything from sandwiches to salads to coffee to soups can be found inside. Weekly drink specials can be found on the pub’s website and can often save patrons a couple of dollars.

After the recent historic Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriages in all 50 states, Rios said the pub was